Sir Alex Ferguson was back at his desk early Monday morning plotting how to swing the Premier League balance of power back in Manchester United's favour, David Gill has revealed.

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United thought they had pipped Manchester City to the Barclays Premier League title on Sunday evening after beating Sunderland but a dramatic injury-time winner from Sergio Aguero against QPR broke the Red Devils' hearts in the most cruel fashion.

"He didn't sleep much on Sunday night. None of us did. He was in the office at 7.30 on Monday morning already thinking about next season," Gill said at the Premier League 20 Seasons awards in London.

City striker Carlos Tevez rubbed salt in to the wounds on Monday when he brandished a sign saying "RIP Fergie" during the club's open-top bus parade through Manchester.

But while the blue half of the Lancashire city have been celebrating, the red half have been planning how to stop Roberto Mancini's men from dominating the English top flight for years to come.

Gill said on Monday night that a number of transfer targets had already been shortlisted and the United chief executive reckons Ferguson is keen to bounce back immediately by securing their 20th title next term.

"We have to get on with it now. We can't look back and feel sorry for ourselves. We have started planning for next year. We will come back fresh and I am always confident with this manager," he added.

City may have won their first title since 1968 on Sunday, but it was United who were honoured for their domination of the top flight

Ferguson was named the best manager in the Premier League's history after clinching 12 titles during his Old Trafford reign while midfielder Ryan Giggs won the best player category. Time may be catching up with him - Ferguson turns 71 in December - but Gill, who picked up the award on his behalf, insists the Scot has no plans to retire just yet.

"He has a rolling contract and he delegates, he still has the enthusiasm, and I am sure he will go on for many more years," Gill said.